To take a long exposure photo on an iPhone, take a Live Photo, open it in the Photos app, tap Live in the top-left corner, and choose Long Exposure. Apple describes the effect as simulating a DSLR-like long exposure by blurring motion, so flowing water, car lights, and crowds turn into smooth streaks while still objects stay sharp.
The Long Exposure effect isn’t a camera mode. It’s built from the frames a Live Photo captures just before and after you take the picture. The steps below follow Apple’s iPhone User Guide pages on taking Live Photos and editing Live Photos.
Step 1: Take a Live Photo
Apple notes that Live Photo is on by default in Photo mode, but it’s worth checking before a shot you care about.
- Open the Camera app and make sure it’s set to Photo mode.
- To check the Live setting, tap the Camera Controls button (or swipe up from Photo mode at the bottom of the screen), tap Live, then choose Auto or On. Tap the screen to close the controls.
- Rest your iPhone on something solid, such as a tripod, a wall, or a railing, and frame the moving subject.
- Tap the Shutter button, or click the Camera Control on models that have it. Keep the phone still for a moment afterward.
Result: The Live Photo is saved to your library in the Photos app. Apple notes that Live Photos aren’t available when ProRAW or HEIF Max is turned on, so switch those off first if the Live option is missing.
If you want the Live button visible on the camera screen all the time, Apple says to go to Settings > Camera > Indicators and turn on Live Photo. You can also have the camera keep your last settings so Live stays on.
Step 2: Apply the Long Exposure Effect
- Open the Photos app.
- Open the Live Photo you just took.
- Tap Live in the top-left corner.
- Choose Long Exposure.
Result: The photo now shows the blended long exposure. The same menu also offers Loop (a repeating video), Bounce (plays the action backward and forward), and Live Off.
How to Undo a Long Exposure
Open the photo, tap the effect name in the top-left corner, and choose Live to go back to normal Live Photo playback, or Live Off to show only the still key photo. If Live Photos move on their own while you browse, you can stop videos and Live Photos from autoplaying in Photos.
Tips for Better Long Exposure Shots
- Pick a scene with motion. Waterfalls, rivers, traffic, and fireworks work well. A still scene will look much the same as a normal photo, because there’s nothing to blur.
- Keep the iPhone completely still. Any shake blurs the whole frame instead of only the moving parts. A tripod or stand makes the biggest difference.
- Trigger the shutter without touching the phone. You can control your iPhone camera from an Apple Watch, or use the camera’s timer.
- Use the grid to level the shot. Here’s how to turn on the grid in the iPhone camera.
- Try older Live Photos. Any Live Photo already in your library can get the Long Exposure effect.
Long Exposure vs. Night Mode
Night mode is a different feature for low light. Apple’s guide to Night mode photos says supported iPhone models turn it on automatically in dim scenes and set the exposure time for you. You can tap the Camera Controls button, tap Night Mode, and choose among the available exposure options. Apple suggests a tripod for more detail, and if crosshairs appear, align them to reduce motion.
Night mode aims to brighten a dark scene and keep it sharp. The Long Exposure effect aims to blur motion. Use Night mode for a dim cityscape, and Long Exposure for streaking car lights or silky water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see the Long Exposure option?
The photo probably isn’t a Live Photo. Long Exposure is one of the effects for Live Photos, so make sure Live is set to Auto or On, and that ProRAW or HEIF Max is off, before you take the shot.
Can I share a long exposure with someone who doesn’t use an iPhone?
To share the motion as a clip that plays on any device, Apple says you can open a Live Photo, tap the More button, and tap Save as Video.
Does Long Exposure work on older iPhones?
Apple’s guide lists Long Exposure as an effect for Live Photos and doesn’t limit it to particular models. If your iPhone takes Live Photos, look for it in the Live menu in Photos.
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Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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